How much wax do I need?

UK furniture paste waxes use roughly 80g per m² per coat, so a standard 400g tin covers about 5 m² per coat (400 ÷ 80) — matching Liberon Black Bison (5-6 m² per 500ml), Briwax Original (4-5 m² per 500ml) and Fiddes Supreme (10 m² per litre). Apply thin coats and buff well — two thin coats give a better result than one thick coat. Thin wax-oil finishes (e.g. Osmo Wood Wax Finish, ~24 m² per litre) spread much further at about 35 g/m², so drop the Spread Rate to ~35 for those.

Can I wax over varnish?

Yes. Wax over varnish adds a soft sheen and extra protection. Apply a thin coat, let it dry 15-20 minutes, then buff vigorously with a soft cloth. Do not wax over water-based finishes intended for floors as it makes them slippery.

How long does furniture wax last?

A wax finish on furniture typically lasts 3-6 months before needing a refresh. High-use surfaces like tabletops may need waxing monthly. A quick buff between applications maintains the sheen.

WoodCalcs

Wax Coverage Calculator — Furniture Wax Quantities

Calculate wax quantities for furniture and wood surface finishing.

Surface Area

Total wood surface area to wax (e.g. tabletop length × width)

Number of Coats

Price per Tin (optional)

Price of one tin (matching the Tin Size below) for cost estimate

How We Calculate This

Wax (grams) = Surface area × Coats × 80g per m² × (1 + waste)

Based on typical UK furniture paste-wax coverage of ~80g per m² per coat, so a standard 400g tin covers roughly 5 m² per coat (400 ÷ 80). A 10% waste allowance is added for buffing and touch-ups. For thin wax-oil finishes lower the Spread Rate to ~35 g/m².

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and material quantities before cutting or purchasing.